US3580676A

US3580676A - Art of plate making

Info

Publication number: US3580676A
Application number: US651298A
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert J Sarka; Trevor H Blake
Original assignee: American Can Co; Harris Intertype Corp
Current assignee: Harris Graphics Corp; Rexam Beverage Can Co
Priority date: 1967-07-05
Filing date: 1967-07-05
Publication date: 1971-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 1988-05-25

Abstract

An apparatus for use in making a pair of plates having cooperating metal-forming projections thereon includes a support table. The support table has first and second plate supporting surfaces located on the opposite sides thereof. Means is provided for supporting the table for movement from a first position wherein the first surface of the table is located to support one of the plates and a second position wherein the second surface of the table is located to support the other of the plates. A chase carrier is adapted to be located overlying each of the plates located on the table. A chase for carrying a negative is carried by the chase carrier. Means is provided for moving the chase and each plate relatively in transverse directions to accurately locate the chase and plates.

Description

United States Patent [72] inventors AlbertJ-Sarka Fairview Park, Ohio; Trevor H. Blake, Naperville, ill. [21] Appl. No. 651,298 {22] Filed July 5, 1967 [45] Patented May 25, 1971 [731 Assignees Harris-lntertype Corporation Cleveland, Ohio by said Sarka; American Can Company New York, N.Y. by said Blake [54] ART OF PLATE MAKING 13 Claims, 14 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 355/86 [51] G03b 27/04 [50] Field of Search 355/85, 86, 87, 95

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,058,975 4/1913 Huebner 355/86 1,832,026 11/1931 Huebner 355/87 Primary Examiner-1ohn M. Horan Attorney-Yount, Raney, Flynn and Tarolli ABSTRACT: An apparatus for use in making a pair of plates having cooperating metal-forming projections thereon includes a support table. The support table has first and second plate supporting surfaces located on the opposite sides thereof. Means is provided for supporting the table for movement from a first position wherein the first surface of the table is located to support one of the plates and a second position wherein the second surface of the table is located to support the other of the plates. A chase carrier is adapted to be located overlying each of the plates located on the table. A chase for carrying a negative is carried by the chase carrier. Means is provided for moving the chase and each plate relatively in transverse directions to accurately locate the chase and plates.

Pmmmmsm 3.580576 SHEET 1 UF 3 INVENTORS ALBERT J SARKA A T TORNE Y8 PATENTED HAY25 1911 SHEET 2 OF 3 7 oowgoooooooooooooooo IN VEN TORS ALBERTJ SARKA TRVOR H. BLAKE M %fl AT ORNEYS L'li'xn r I o Q 7 wnwmv ooooo oo w ART'OFPLATE MAKING The present invention relates, in general, to the art of making plates for use in working on material, and in particular relates to an apparatus for usein makingapair of cooperatingcutting and creasing dieplates.

which extend into the material but do not touch and which overlap somewhat in the plane of the material. The creasing is effected by land elements which cooperate so that one element on one plate forces the materialbetween two elements on the other plate so as to effect the creasingof the material. The land elements are arranged on the dieplate members in a predetermined pattern so as to effect a cutting-and creasing in a particular pattern. The die plates are primarily used for forming box blanks from sheet material and thus the projecting land elements must be arranged in a pattern corresponding with the shape and formation of the box blank to be cut and creased. Thus one of the die plates carries a cutting and/or creasing pattern, while the other of the die plates carries a corresponding cutting and/or creasing pattern which cooperates with the pattern of the projecting lands on the first dieplate so as to effect the cutting and/or creasing of the material in the desired pattern. This, of course, creates a problem of how to accurately make the die plates so that theprojecting lands on one die plate properly cooperate and are properly located relative to the projecting lands on'the other die plateso as to effect the cutting and creasing operations on the material,

In general, each of the die plates is made by coating 'a metal plate with a light-sensitive resist material. The metal plates are then exposed to a light image through a negative and certain areas of the resist coating materialharden in response to the light. The area's of the resist which harden are those areas which define the cutting and creasing pattern of projecting lands to be formed from the plate. The plate is then etched and the area of the-plate havingthe hardened resist thereon resists the action of the etchant material and, thus, those areas remain high, while the areas betweenthe hardened areas of the resist are etched away, thus providing a plate with the projecting lands thereon. This process is describedin detail in US. Pat. application, Ser. No. 458,549, filed May25, 1965.

The present invention contemplates the provision of a new and improved method and apparatus for use in the making of the plates and particularly for use in'positioning the light-sensitiveplate and a negative accurately so as to expose the .lightsensitive plate to a light image through the negativein such a manner that the plate may be constructed readily andaccurately with a minimum of error.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of' a new and improved apparatus for use in exposing a light-sensitive plate toa light image through anegative, and which includes a support for the'plate and a chasecwhich carries the negative and which is adapted tO'bC locatedin a position overlying the plate, and wherein the chasemay be adjusted -in one directionrelative to the plate, while the plate may be moved relative to a supporttable and relative to thee-chase in a:

direction substantially perpendicular. to the one direction so as to provide for accurate positioningof both'the-plate and thechase inopposite substantially perpendicular directions.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of anew andimprovedapparatusfor use in exposing a light-sensitive plate to a light image through-a negative and:

wherein the plateis carried onta support table and. themegative is carried in'a chase, on a chase support positioned accurately on the support table, and wherein theplate and chase support may be movedinmutually perpendicular directions relative to the table by micrometer adjustment mechanisms table and positioned relative to a negative carrying chase when supported on the one side and the second plate is supported on the other side of the table and positioned relative to the negative carrying chase when supported on the other side of the table, and wherein the table is supported for pivotal movement from a first position wherein the one surface of the table is in operative position to a'second position wherein the other surface of the table is in operative position.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved apparatus, as noted in the next precedingobject, wherein the table carries a micrometer adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the plate on the table and which is operable to adjust the position of each of the plates when supported on the opposite surfaces of the table.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved apparatus, as noted in the next preceding object, wherein the negative is carried by a chase adapted to be accurately located on a chase guide and wherein the chase guide is adapted to be supported accurately on the opposite sides of the table and is movable relative to the plate supported on the opposite sides of the table so as to accurately position the chase in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the plate on the table.

A still'further object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved method of exposing a pair of lightsensitive plates to a negative wherein the plates are to be used to cooperate to form material advanced therebetween and wherein a first one of the plates is supported and accurately positioned on a tablerelative to a chase and the chase is accurately positioned at successive locations starting at one end of the plate to provide the necessary images on the plate and wherein the-second plate is supported in position on the support table and accurately positioned thereon and wherein the chase is positioned relative to the second plate by the same mechanism which positioned the chase relative to the first plate and wherein the chase is successively positioned and located relative to the second plate starting at the end of the second plate which is opposite the end of the first plate at which the exposing operations began.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which it relates from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof made with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an apparatus embodying the present invention;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are fragmentary perspective views of portionsof die plates made using the-apparatus shown in FIG. I.

The present'invention relates to the making of plates for use in working on material, such as cutting and creasing plates and :printing plates. In particular, the invention relates to the making of plates having material forming projections thereon which engage opposite sides of material and effect a cutting and/or creasing of the materialas the material advances relative to the plates.- The preferred embodiment of the present invention to be described is particularly useful in the making of the cooperating cutting and creasing die plates l0, 13 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The die plate has a base portion from which cutting elements 11 project. The cutting elements 11 are in the form of projecting lands which are formed integrally with the base portion'of the die plate. The die plate 10 also has creasing'members l2 projecting therefrom and formed in- 'tegrally 'with the base portion thereof. The die plate 10 cooperates with the die plate 13 to effect a cutting and creasing of material advanced therebetween.

The die plate 13, FIG. 14, has a pattern of cutting and creasing elements thereon which correspond with the pattern of cutting and creasing elements on the die plate 10. Specifically, the die plate 13 includes cutting elements 14 which project therefrom and are formed integrally therewith, and which cooperate with the projecting cutting elements 11 on the die plate 10 to effectcutting of the material advanced between the die plates. The cutting elements 11 and 14 effect a cutting of the material by partially overlapping in the plane of the material and projecting through a portion of the material, but do-not much during the cutting operation. The dieplate 13 also includes creasing elements 15 which are in the form of projecting lands formed integrally with the base portion of the die plate 13 and which are spaced apart so as to receive material forced therebetween by the creasing element 12 on the die plate 10. I I

The die plates 10, 13 are flexible metal plates mounted on rotary cylinders by suitable clamps and upon rotation effect cutting and'creasing of material advanced therebetween. The patternof the cutting and creasing elements on the die plates 10, 13 is such as to cut a box blank from the material and provide for creasing lines thereon so as to permit folding of the cutout box blank into a completed box or carton. The die plates 10, 13 may cut a plurality of box blanks from the material at a given time and thus must have a plurality of patterns formed thereon. A more detailed disclosure of these die plates and the method of operation thereof may be found in US. Pat. No.-3,I42,233, issued July 28, I964.

The die plates 10, 13 are formed by an etching process in which metal plates'are etched away except in the areas where the projecting lands are to'be formed. By this etching process I the lands are formed. A suitable etching mechanism and etching procedure is disclosed in copending application Ser. No. 458,549, filed on May 25, I965.

The plates, of course, must not be etched in the area where the lands are to be provided and thus prior to etching of the plates, any well-known resist coating is placed on the surface of the'plates, and which coating hardens when exposed to a high intense light. The coating thus makes the plate light sensitive and the plate is then exposed to a light image through a negative which carries an image corresponding with the image or pattern of cutting and creasing elements to be formed on v the die plates 10, 13. In the areas where the resist material receives light, the resist material hardens so as to resist the etchant. Those areas ofthe plate beneath the hardened resist material after the etching process become the lands which effect the cutting and creasing of the material.

In accordance-with the present invention an apparatus is provided for use in exposing the light-sensitive plates having theresist coating thereon to a light image through a negative. As best shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 20 includes a support frame 21 supporting a table 22. The table 22 has a plate supporting surface 23 which is adapted to support a light-sensitive plate thereon. A plate 25 is shown supported on the surface 23 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The apparatus 20 also includes a negative carrying chase 26 and which is adapted to be positioned in an overlying relation to the plate 25. Located above the chase 26 is a light source, designated 27, and which provides a source of high intense light which is directed through the negative carried by the chase 26 and onto the light-sensitive plate to effect the hardening of the resist coating on the plate 25. The apparatus 20 is constructed so as to provide for accurate positioning of the. plate 25 and chase 26 so as to provide for the proper positioning of the image on the plate. The apparatus is also particularly constructed so as to provide for the exposing of light-sensitive plates to form the die plates 10, 13 so that the patterns of the projections on the die plates 10, 13 properly correspond and accurately cooperate.

More specifically, the apparatus 20 includes a means, generally designated 30 in FIG. 2, for effecting movement of the plate 25 on the surface 23 of the table 22. The mechanism 30 comprises a pair of

block'members

31, 32 positioned in openings 33, 34 in the table 30. The

block members

31, 32 each' have an opening therein adapted to receive

pinmembers

35, 36, respectively, which are carried by the

block members

31, 32, respectively, and which project through and accurately fit spaced openings in the plate 25. The spaced holes in the plate are later used for aligning the plate to a cylinder. The

blocks

31, 32 are interconnected by a suitable rod member 37. It should be apparent from the above description that upon movement of the

block members

31, 32 the plate 25 will be moved along the upper surface 23 of the table 22 due to the connection between the block members and the plate 25 through the

pins

35, 36. The

pins

35 and 36 will maintain the plate against angular movement with respect to the table.

The blocks 31', 32 may be moved linearly in opposite directions, indicated by the arrows 40 in FIG. 2, in order to properly position the plate 25 on the table 22 by means of a suitable mechanism, generally designated 41, and which includes a handle member 42 which, when rotated, effects movement of the

blocks

31, 32 to effect movement of the plate 25. Incorporated with the mechanism 41 is a suitable micrometer mechanism, designated 41a, to indicate the amountof movement and the position of the plate 25 in the direction indicated by the arrows 40. This direction comprises the axial direction of the die plate when mounted on a cylinder.

The chase 26 which carries the negative is adapted to overlie the plate 25 and is accurately positioned in overlying relation to the plate 25. The chase 26 has in one support frame portion 26a thereof a plurality of openings 45. The openings 45 are spaced along the support portion 26a of the chase 26 with equal distances between the centers of adjacent openings and aligned with openings46 located in a chase guide or carriage, generally designated 47. The chase guide 47 is elongated and extends in an overlying relation with respect to the plate 25 and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the plate 25 is moved upon movement of the

blocks

31, 32. The openings 45 in the chase 26 which align with the openings 46 are adapted to receive pins so as to lock the chase 26 in position on the chase guide 47. I

The chase guide 47 is supported on the table 22 for movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the plate 25 can be moved and, in particular, the chase guide 47 and chase 26 may be moved in the direction of the arrows 48, which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the arrows 40 which indicate the direction of movement of the plate 25. The direction of the arrows 48 corresponds with the circumferential extent of the plate when on a cylinder.

The chase guide 47 may be so moved by any suitable mechanism. Preferably, the chase guide 47 carries at its opposite ends blocks 50, 51 which are located in openings 52, 53 in the chase guide 47. The blocks 50, 51 have openings therein which are adapted to align with one of a plurality of openings 60, 61, respectively, at the opposite edges of the table 22. The openings 60 are located along the edge of the table 22 in the upper portion of FIG. 2, while the openings 61 are located along the edge of the table 22 in the lower portion of FIG. 2. A suitable pin 50a is adapted to be inserted through the opening in the block 50 and the aligned opening 60 in the table 22. Likewise, a suitable pin 51a is adapted to be inserted through the opening in the block 51 and through an aligned opening 61 in the table 22. Each opening 60, 61 is spaced from the adjacent opening 60, I 61, respectively, by equal amounts. Moreover, each opening 60 has a corresponding opening 61 aligned therewith but, of course, positioned on the opposite edge of the table. v

A suitable manually actuated mechanism is provided for moving the chase guide 47 relative to the blocks 50, 51 and thus relative to the table 22. The mechanism includes a manually rotatable handle member 65 which is supported for rotation and which when rotated effects rotation of a screw member 66. The screw member 66 is threaded into a projecting portion 67 of the block 51 which is fixed relative to the table 22 due to the pin 51a which extends throughthe block 51 into an opening 61 in the table. Upon rotation of the handle member 65 in one direction, the screw 66 moves relative to the fixed portion 67 of the block 51 outwardly thereof and causes movement of the chase guide 47 and chase 26 carried thereby. Rotation of the handle 65 in the reverse direction causes movement of the chase guide 47 in the reverse direction. The chase guide 47 is, of course, fixed against movement in the direction of arrows 40. Suitable micrometer adjustment means, generally designated 70, is provided for registering accurately the amount of movement of the chase guide 47. The amount of movement of the chase guide 47 may be and preferably is limited to the distance between the center 'of the openings 46 contained therein. Likewise, the amount of movement of the plate 25 may be and preferably is limited to the distance between the centers of adjacent openings 61.

In order to properly position the chase 26 relative to the plate 25, the chase 26 is positioned in alignment with the appropriate openings 46 in the chase guide 47 and suitable pins are located in certain of the aligned openings. This constitutes a rough positioning of the chase 26 in the direction of arrows 48. The chase guide 47 may then be adjusted by an amount equal to the distance between openings 46 so as to effect the fine positioning of the chase guide 26 in the direction of the arrows 48. Moreover, the chase guide 47 may be located relative to certain openings 60, 61 so as to roughly position the chase 26 relative to the plate 25 in the direction of the arrows 40. The plate 25 may then be adjusted in the direction of the arrows 40 was to effect the fine positioning of the plate 25 relative to the chase 26 through manual turning of the handle 42. In this manner, the chase 26 may be properly positioned in the desired location relative to the plate 25 in the direction of the arrows 48, whereas movement of the plate 25 may be effected for accurate relative positioning in the direction of the arrows 40.

The operation and use of the apparatus for making plates 10, 13 will be described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 5-12. The plate to form one of plates 10, 13 is provided with suitable openings therein at the opposite ends thereof and is positioned on the support surface 23 of the table 22. The support surface 23 may be provided with a network of grooves 23a, see FIG. 4, which communicate with a suction supply for holding the sheet in position on the surface 23. The

pins

35, 36 are located so as to project through the openings in the plate and into the openings in the

blocks

31, 32, respectively. After the plate 25 has been so positioned on the table 22, the chase guide 47 is located on the table 22 with pins 50a, 51a projecting through the blocks carried thereby and into selected ones of the aligned openings 60, 61, respectively. This provides a rough positioning of the plate 25 and chase guide 47 in the direction of the arrows 40. This rough positioning is recorded by recording the openings 60, 61 which receive the pins 50 a, 51a. The chase 26 is located on the chase guide 47 in a rough position in the direction of arrows 48'by aligning the openings therein, and this rough position is recorded by recording the openings aligned. Accurate or fine positioning of the chase 26 relative to the plate in the direction of arrows 48 is effected by adjustment of the chase guide 47 relative to table 22 and the fine adjustment is recorded by recording the reading on micrometer 70. The fine position in the direction of arrows 40 is effected by moving the plate 25 by mechanism 30 and the fine position is recorded by reading tlie micrometer 41a. Once the plate 25 and chase 26 have been properly positioned relatively, the light source 27 may be activated in order to expose the plate 25 to 'the light through the negative carried by the chase 26.

In use, the chase 26 is located initially in the location shown in FIG. 6 wherein the chase is located at one end of the chase guide 47, and the chase guide 47 is located at one end of the plate, namely, the left end as shown in-the drawings. When so located, the openings 60, 61 in which the chase guide locating pins are received and the micrometer adjustments of the chase guide and plate are recorded. The chase guide 47 is then moved to the position, such as that shown in FIG. 7, wherein the chase is still located in the same position on the chase guide, but the chase guide has been moved in the direction of the arrows 40 to a new location on the surface of the table 22. The plate 25 and chase guide 47 may be adjusted again so as to effect the proper relative positioning of the plate and chase in the new location. The new location is then recorded. This is continued until the lower portion of the plate has been exposed to light images thereacross.

After the lower portion of the plate 25 has been exposed to the-light images, the chase 26 is positioned in the upper portion of the chase guide 47, as viewed in FIG. 8, and again the chase guide is positioned at the left end of the plate, as shown in FIG. 8, and the adjustments of the chase guide and plate are again effected and recorded so as to properly position the chase guide and plate. Once properly positioned in the manner described hereinabove, the light source may be activated and the plate is then exposed to light through the negative carried by the chase. The chase guide is then moved along the upper portion of the plate similarly to its movement along the lower portion of the plate so as to effect the proper repetitive positioning of chase and plate and exposure of the plate to light through the negative carried by the chase. In each of the positions of the chase, the micrometer adjustment of the chase guide and plate are recorded as well as the general or rough location of the chase guide 47 relative to the table and chase relative to the chase guide, for a purpose to be described hereinbelow.

After the first plate 25 has been exposed through the use of the apparatus 20, as described above, a plate 25a to form the other cooperating die plate 10 or 13 may then be likewise exposed in order to provide for proper location of the pattern thereon. In exposing the plate 25a, a different negative is placed in the chase 26 which has an image corresponding to that of the lands to be formed on the die plate. This second negative is visually registered to the chase 26 in a position corresponding to that of the first negative. The chase 26 is then located relative to the plate 25a in a manner to provide for accurate positioning of the lands thereon so that the lands on the plates 10, 13 properly cooperate.

In order to effect an accurate positioning of the images on the cooperating plate 25a, the table 20 is provided with a second plate supporting surface 70 which is opposite the plate supporting surface 23. The plate supporting surface 70 may be moved into operating position by rotating the table 22 about an axis, generally designated 71. The table is supported for pivotal movement by suitable support structure for rotation about the axis 71, as indicated schematically by the arrows 72 in FIG. 1. When the table is rotated, the support surface 70 is located facing upwardly in position so as to receive the plate 25a. Suitable locking means may be provided for locking the table 22 in its positions. When the table 22 has been so rotated, the micrometer adjustment mechanism 41 is located on the left side of the table, as shown schematically in FIG. 9.

The micrometer adjustment mechanism 41 is constructed so as to be easily read by the operator in both positions of the table 22. In this connection, the micrometer indicator may be read from the side of the table rather than from the top of the table. The indicator mark would be as indicated at A in FIG. 1. Other arrangements may also be utilized to permit reading of the micrometer adjustment mechanism in both positions of the table.

The plate 25a is then positioned on the supporting surface 70 in the manner described hereinabove in connection with the plate 25. The chase guide 47 is then located on the support table, and in particular is positioned at the right end of the surface 70 of the table and the locating pins thereof are located in the same openings 60a, 61a as were previously recorded during the exposure of the plate 25. The openings 60a, 6111 are exlocated at the right end of the table rather than the left end due to the rotation of the table, the pins for the chase guide actually go through the identical openings in the location of the chase guide 47 for plate 25a as they went through when the plate 25 was exposed. Moreover, the chase guide 47 is flipped over from the position shown in FIG. 6 to that shown in FIG. 10 and the chase 26 is again located on the chase guide 47 with pins extending through the same openings as when the plate 25 was exposed. The micrometer readings which were recorded in the positioning of the chase in FIG. 6 are then set into the mechanism for moving the plate 250 and chase guide 47 so as to position the plate 25a and the chase guide 47 in the identical relativeposition to that which they had when exposing the plate 25 in FIG. 6. The particular positioning of the chase guide 47 relative to the plate 25a then proceeds identically to the manner described hereinabove with each positioning of the chase guide 47 and chase 26 being reset in accordance with their position when the first plate 25 was exposed. FIGS. Iland 12 illustrate further operative steps in the exposing of the plate 25a and correspond with the positions shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 when plate 25 is exposed. These show that the sequence of locations of the chase during exposure of plate 25 are repeated for plate 25a but in a reverse sequence for each row. of exposures across the plates. In this manner, errors in the manufacture of the die plates l0, 13 may be greatly minimized and the die plates 10, I3 may be constructed in an identical mirror-image manner.

It should be apparent from the above that applicant has made a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and that certain modifications, changes, and adaptations may be made therein'by those skilled in the art to which it relates, and it is hereby intended to cover all such modifications, changes, and adaptations thereof which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Having described our invention, we claim:

I. In an apparatus for use in exposing a light-sensitive plate to a light image through a negative, a support table for supporting the plate, a negative carrying chase for supporting the negative, a chase carrier having a chase supporting portion for supportingsaid chase in an overlying relationship with respect to aplate on said table, means for moving said chase supporting portion in a first direction relative to said table and plate to accurately position said chase relative to the plate in said first direction, said chase supporting portion being fixed against movement in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, and means for moving said plate relative to said table and relative to .said chase carrier in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, said chase and chase carrier having portions which align to provide a rough positioning of said chase in said first direction, said means for moving said chase supporting portion in said first direction comprising micrometer adjustment means for effecting a fine positioning of said chase in said first direction, said chase carrier and chase having a plurality of equally spaced openings through which pins are adapted to extend to provide said rough positioning of said chase, and said micrometer adjustment means being effective to move said chase supporting portion and chase a distance at least equal to the distance between the centers of said openings.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim I wherein said chase carrier includes a pair of block members adapted to be fixed from movement relative to said table, and said means for moving said chase supporting ortion comprises a mechanism acting between at least one of said block members and said chase supporting portion of said chase carrier.

3. In an apparatus for use in the making of a pair of plates having cooperating material forming projections thereon, a support table having first and second plate supporting surfaces located on the opposite sides of the table, means supporting said table for movement from a first position wherein said first surface is located to support one of'the plates and second position wherein said second surface is located to support the other of said plates, a chase carrier adapted to be located overlying each of said plates when locatedon said table, a chase for carrying a negative and carried by said chase carrier, and means for moving said chase and each plate relatively in transverse directions to accurately locate said chase and plates.

4. An apparatus as defined in" claim 3 wherein said chase carrier and said table have portions which align'to provide a rough positioning of said chase carrier on either side of said table and relative to the plate carried thereon in one direction and a single micrometer adjustment means carried by said table and movable therewith and for effecting movement of each of said plates in said one direction for fine positioning thereof.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said chase carrier is supported in a first position with respect to the plate supported on one side of said table and is inverted and supported in a second position with'respect to a plate supported on the second side of the table, and a single micrometer adjustment mechanism for moving the chase carrier relative to each of the plates and effecting a fine positioning of the chase supported by the chase carrier in another direction substantially perpendicular to said one direction.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said support table includes a plurality'of equally spaced openings along opposite sides thereof, and said'chase carrier supports block members having openings therein which align with openings in said table, and pin members for extending through said aligned openings and holding said block members from movement and removable to allow for repositioning of said chase carrier at different locations relative to each plate.

7. In an apparatus for use in exposing a transparency image to a flat, light-sensitive rectangular plate in a plurality of predetermined positions by exposing said plate to light through a transparency which is stepped to various locations to create said plurality of images, a flat rectangular table for supporting said plate, a plurality of spaced first registering elements on said table extending in parallel directions along two opposite edges of said rectangular table, plate mounting means for mounting said plate for movement in the plane of the table and in a direction parallel to the direction of extension of said first registering elements, a chase carrier adapted to overlie said plate and having second registering elements cooperable with corresponding first registering elements at opposite edges of the table for mounting said chase carrier for movement in a direction perpendicular to the direction of plate movement, a plurality of third registering elements extending in the direction of extension of the chase carrier and perpendicular to the direction of extension of said plurality of first registering elements, a chase for mounting a transparency to overlie said plate, fourth registering elements on said chase cooperable with said third registering elements for mounting said chase on said chase carrier in selected positions, said first, second, third and fourth registering elements comprising rough positioning means for locating said transparency in an approximate location with respect to a plate mounted on said table, a first fine adjustment means for moving said plate mounting means and plate therewith, and second fine adjustment means for moving said chase carrier and chase therewith.

8. In an apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said first registering elements are located on one side of said table and further including fifth registering elements corresponding with said first registering elements and located on the other side of said table for use in operating on a plate position on said other side of said table.

9. In an apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said first registering elements and said second registering elements comprise cooperating pins and holes, one on said table and one on said chase carrier, said one registering element on said table extending through said table to the opposite side thereof and consisting of said fifth registering elements on said opposite side of the table.

10. In an apparatus as defined in claim 7 further including means for exposing the transparency to light when the transparency is located in each of its plurality of predetermined locations as controlled by the registering elements, and fine adjustment means for said plate and chase carrier.

11. In an apparatus for use in exposing a light-sensitive plate to a light image through a negative, a support table for supporting the plate, a negative carrying chase for supporting the negative, a chase carrier having a chase supporting portion for supporting said chase in an overlying relationship with respect to a plate on said table, means for moving said chase supporting portion in a first direction relative to said table and plate to accurately position said chase relative to the plate in said first direction, said chase supporting portion being fixed against movement in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, and means for moving said plate relative to said table and relative to said chase carrier in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, said chase and chase carrier having portions which align to provide a rough positioning of said chase in said first direction, said means for moving said chase supporting portion in said first direction comprising micrometer adjustment means for effecting a fine positioning of said chase in said first direction, said chase carrier including a pair of block members adapted to be fixed from movement relative to said table, said means for moving said chase supporting portion comprising a mechanism acting between at least one of said block members and said chase supporting portion of said chase carrier, said block members being located at opposite ends of said chase supporting portion of said chase carrier and having openings therethrough, said table including a plurality of equally spaced openings at opposite edges thereof and adapted to align with said openings in said block members, and pin members extending through the openings in said block members and into the openings in said table and locking said block members from movement with respect to said table and removable to permit repositioning of said chase carrier along said table.

12. In an apparatus for use in exposing a light-sensitive plate to a light image through a negative, a support table for supporting the plate, a negative carrying chase for supporting the negative, a chase carrier having a chase supporting portion for 10 supporting said chase in an overlying relationship with respect to a plate on said table, means for moving said chase supporting portion in a first direction relative to said table and plate to accurately position said chase relative to the plate in said first direction, said chase supporting portion being fixed against movement in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, and means for moving said plate relative to said table and relative to said chase carrier in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, said table and said chase carrier having portions which align to provide a rough relative positioning of said chase and plate in said second direction, and said means for moving said plate comprising micrometer adjustment means for effecting a fine relative positioning of said plate and chase in said second direction including a pair of spaced block members carried by said table for movement relative thereto, said block members having openings therethrough aligned with openings in said plate, separate pin members extending into said aligned openings locking said block members and plate together, and micrometer adjustment means for effecting movement of said block members.

13. In an apparatus for use in exposing a light-sensitive plate to a light image through a negative, a support table for supporting the plate, a negative carrying chase for supporting the negative, a chase carrier having a chase supporting portion for supporting said chase in an overlying relationship with respect to a plate on said table, means for moving said chase supporting portion in a first direction relative to said table and plate to accurately position said chase relative to the plate in said first direction, said chase supporting portion being fixed against movement in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, and means for moving said plate relative to said table and relative to said chase carrier in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, and said chase and chase carrier having portions which align and attach said chase and chase carrier for movement together and provide a rough positioning of said chase in said first direction, said means for moving said chase supporting portion in said first direction comprising micrometer adjustment means for effecting a fine positioning of said chase in said first direction, said table and said chase carrier having portions which align and attach said chase carrier and said table and provide a rough relative positioning of said chase and plate in said second direction, and said means for moving said plate relative to said table comprising micrometer adjustment means for effecting a fine relative positioning of said plate and chase in said second direction.

Claims

1. In an apparatus for use in exposing a light-sensitive plate to a light image through a negative, a support table for supporting the plate, a negative carrying chase for supporting the negative, a chase carrier having a chase supporting portion for supporting said chase in an overlying relationship with respect to a plate on said table, means for moving said chase supporting portion in a first direction relative to said table and plate to accurately position said chase relative to the plate in said first direction, said chase supporting portion being fixed against movement in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, and means for moving said plate relative to said table and relative to said chase carrier in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, said chase and chase carrier having portions which align to provide a rough positioning of said chase in said first direction, said means for moving said chase supporting portion in said first direction comprising micrometer adjustment means for effecting a fine positioning of said chase in said first direction, said chase carrier and chase having a plurality of equally spaced openings through which pins are adapted to extend to provide said rough positioning of said chase, and said micrometer adjustment means being effective to move said chase supporting portion and chase a distance at least equal to the distance between the centers of said openings.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said chase carrier includes a pair of block members adapted to be fixed from movement relative to said table, and said means for moving said chase supporting portion comprises a mechanism acting between at least one of said block members and said chase supporting portion of said chase carrier.

3. In an apparatus for use in the making of a pair of plates having cooperating material forming projections thereon, a support table Having first and second plate supporting surfaces located on the opposite sides of the table, means supporting said table for movement from a first position wherein said first surface is located to support one of the plates and second position wherein said second surface is located to support the other of said plates, a chase carrier adapted to be located overlying each of said plates when located on said table, a chase for carrying a negative and carried by said chase carrier, and means for moving said chase and each plate relatively in transverse directions to accurately locate said chase and plates.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said chase carrier and said table have portions which align to provide a rough positioning of said chase carrier on either side of said table and relative to the plate carried thereon in one direction and a single micrometer adjustment means carried by said table and movable therewith and for effecting movement of each of said plates in said one direction for fine positioning thereof.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said chase carrier is supported in a first position with respect to the plate supported on one side of said table and is inverted and supported in a second position with respect to a plate supported on the second side of the table, and a single micrometer adjustment mechanism for moving the chase carrier relative to each of the plates and effecting a fine positioning of the chase supported by the chase carrier in another direction substantially perpendicular to said one direction.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said support table includes a plurality of equally spaced openings along opposite sides thereof, and said chase carrier supports block members having openings therein which align with openings in said table, and pin members for extending through said aligned openings and holding said block members from movement and removable to allow for repositioning of said chase carrier at different locations relative to each plate.

12. In an apparatus for use in exposing a light-sensitive plate to a light image through a negative, a support table for supporting the plate, a negative carrying chase for supporting the negative, a chase carrier having a chase supporting portion for supporting said chase in an overlying relationship with respect to a plate on said table, means for moving said chase supporting portion in a first direction relative to said table and plate to accurately position said chase relative to the plate in said first direction, said chase supporting portion being fixed against movement in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, and means for moving said plate relative to said table and relative to said chase carrier in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, said table and said chase carrier having portions which align to provide a rough relative positioning of said chase and plate in said second direction, and said means for moving said plate comprising micrometer adjustment means for effecting a fine relative positioning of said plate and chase in said second direction including a pair of spaced block members carried by said table for movement relative thereto, said block members having openings therethrough aligned With openings in said plate, separate pin members extending into said aligned openings locking said block members and plate together, and micrometer adjustment means for effecting movement of said block members.